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Aussies Abroad: Porta and Spiranovic move to Middle East

Both Matthew Spiranovic and Richard Porta have secured moves to the Middle East.

Qantas Socceroos defender Matthew Spiranovic has joined Qatar Stars League club Al Arabi according to a statement on the club-s website.

The statement saying the 24-year-old central defender has signed a two-year deal with the club, completing his move from Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds.

Spiranovic's made 23 starts for the club in 2011, but failed to play this year which had hurt his chances of solidifying his place in the centre of defence for the national side.

"I want to thank the club and supporters from the bottom of my heart," Spiranovic told Urawa's website.

"I didn't just experience football; I experienced what it's like to be cheered on by fans with an extremely deep knowledge of the culture.

"I had a great time playing with Urawa and will never forget my experience here. I also want to thank my teammates for their support and being able to play together with them. I wish Urawa Reds the best for the rest of the season."

Spiranovic isn't the only Aussie player moving to the Middle East, with Richard Porta doing a deal with Dubai Club in the UAE Pro League.

Porta, who has been making plenty of noise about wanting a spot in Holger Osieck-s team has just come off a brilliant season in Uruguay for Nacional, where he won the Golden Boot with 17 goals and his team claimed the title.

The pair join Mark Bresciano and Sasa Ognenovski in the Middle East, while Lucas Neill's move from the region has not yet been confirmed either.